Cal-FURS

The California Family Urgent Response System, or “Cal-FURS,” is a statewide urgent response hotline to provide 24/7 support service for foster youth and their caregivers living throughout California.

Cal-FURS connects current or former foster youth up to age 21 and their caregivers to trained hotline staff who provide guidance, support, and connection to critical resources.

Youth throughout California and their caregivers can call and get immediate help for any big or small issues they may be having, 24/7, 365 days a year from caring and trained professionals from the Sacramento-based call center.

The Cal-FURS crisis hotline is accessible via phone or text at 1-833-939-FURS (3877). The website, https://cal-furs.org, also offers an online chat option, and the Cal-FURS team can connect youth and families with local professionals in their area that can provide in-person support at homes, schools, and community locations.

In addition to crisis support, callers will receive referrals to identify long-term, valuable services—referrals to mental health services, counseling, youth programs, community-based programs, Family Resource Centers, and more.

In partnership with the State of California, Cal-FURS is designed to provide vital support to youth, foster care youth, and resource families, assuring that they are provided with high levels of support and stability.

Our Services

  • A toll-free hotline available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week staffed with caring counselors trained in conflict resolution and de-escalation techniques for children and youth impacted by trauma.
  • Ongoing support services beyond the initial mobile response.
  • Hotline and mobile response staff trained in working with children and families who have experienced trauma.

How FURS Will Help and Why It’s Important:

  1. Provide current and former foster youth and their caregivers with immediate, trauma-informed support when they need it.
  2. Prevent placement moves.
  3. Preserve the relationship between the child or youth and their caregiver.
  4. Provide a trauma-informed alternative for families who previously resorted to calling 911 or law enforcement.
  5. Reduce hospitalizations, law enforcement contacts, and placement in out-of-home facilities.
  6. Promote healing as a family.
  7. Improve retention of current foster caregivers.
  8. Promote stability for youth in foster care, including youth in extended foster care.

Visit Cal-FURS.com